Final answer:
Time in literature is used to delve into themes related to life's progression, existentialism, and the human experience, ranging from literal to abstract interpretations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of time in literature is often used to explore themes such as the progression of life, existential questions, and the human experience. Time can be referenced in a literal sense, as in keeping track of hours and minutes, or in a more abstract sense, as seen in the given excerpts. Literary works like the ones you've shared reflect on time's passage, its relationship to human activities, and its philosophical implications. For instance, the excerpt mentioning 'trillions of winters and summers' speaks to the vast, unending nature of time, suggesting a contrast between the finite human lifespan and the seemingly infinite progression of time.